Artwork by Angelina Buccolo, shown here, along with Holly Walker, inspired a mural on the wall in the pediatric wing at DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital in Commerce Township. Fourth graders from Lakewood Elementary in White Lake created artwork that inspired the murals. /Photo submitted by DMC

FYI

People are invited to an open house event from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, June 14 at DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital, 1 Williams Carls Drive in Commerce Township. Families are invited to check out the new pediatrics unit, meet the staff, take a tour and see inside a PANDA One pediatric ambulance.

Attendees will also enjoy giveaways, a Radio Disney live broadcast and Radio Disney Junior Doc McStuffins Toy Check-Up clinic. Children are invited to bring their favorite toy for a check-up.

Children staying at DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital in Commerce Township can now look at murals and art inspired by creative youngsters their own age.

The six new rooms in the hospital’s new pediatric wing feature artwork by 13 students who attend nearby Lakewood Elementary School in White Lake Township.

The project began a year ago when hospital staff approached Lakewood’s fourth graders, asking them to draw.

“We asked them to tell us what would make them feel good if they were in the hospital,” said Beth Leon, R.N., director of Women/Children’s services at Huron Valley-Sinai. “We asked, what would you like to see so you wouldn’t feel scared.”

Hospital staffer then narrowed down the art, and the top choices are framed and hanging outside the six new rooms.

Inside each room is a huge mural, created by Farmington Hills artist, Anatoliy Shapiro, drawn to reflect the child’s artwork theme. For example, one child drew a picture showing sports fun at MSU’s football stadium. The mural in the room directly across the hall shows children laughing and playing games and sports. Initials of the children who created the framed artworks are “hidden” in the room murals. The children’s unit waiting rooms and lobby also feature bright, kid-friendly murals.

“The staff from the hospital really made the students feel special. They came in seeking student input and left with many great ideas that were the inspiration for the final project,” said Lakewood Principal Jill Brower.

“The kids loved being a part of the greater community.”

An open house is set for Saturday, June 14 at the pediatric unit, directed by Dr. Brian Gendelman.

The unit, where rooms feature sleeper recliners for parents staying overnight, will be staffed by DMC Children’s Hospital of Michigan employees